Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Since a new project is starting soon to connect and improve sidewalks between Luter Park and the Schoolhouse Museum in Smithfield, now would be a great time to discuss improving access for pedestrians, bicyclists and the disabled around Isle of Wight.

There are several areas around the county where it looks like some minor investments in infrastructure will produce marked improvements in accessibility. Ideally, we will work to link together as many neighborhoods as possible and connect them to schools, parks, churches and shopping by means of safe access for non-drivers. And our planners, council members and supervisors should require new developments to include pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure and access as part of their approval process. I was very glad to see new Smithfield Town Council member Mary Ellen Bebermeyer ask some questions about pedestrian access during discussion of the proposed development off Turner Drive a month or two back.

Specific locations that seem ideal for improvement are:

• Adding pedestrian signals at the intersections of South Church Street/Battery Park Road and South Church Street/Main Street would make crossing these streets much safer.
• Adding crosswalks with pedestrian signals to cross Battery Park Road at Kendall Haven and to cross South Church Street at Red Point Drive, along with a short section of sidewalk or path from the East side of Cypress Creek bridge to Red Point Drive and some “Share the Road” signage would provide a functional connection from downtown Smithfield to the Park-to-Park trail.
• Crosswalks with pedestrian signals would make access to Westside Elementary, Hardy Elementary and Windsor High much safer for students, families and staff.

As a last note: ADA accessibility helps more than just the disabled. It also helps families with strollers, older residents who may have limited mobility, and anyone struggling with an injury or illness that makes getting around harder.

 

Greg Brown

Smithfield